Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
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As our furry best friends settle into old age, it’s easy to assume that what you see is what you get. Most of us tackle training when our dogs are young and then check it off the list for good.
If you and your dog have a basic, sit, down, stay, and come mastered, you probably think “mission accomplished.” After all, we’ve been conditioned by the expression “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
But is that actually true? Is it impossible to introduce late-in-life lessons?
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can learn new behaviors and cues at any age, even if they’ve never been trained before.
- Positive reinforcement training is the most effective method for teaching dogs.
- Short, low-impact training sessions keep senior dogs mentally stimulated without causing fatigue.
- Choose appropriate treats and portion sizes to prevent weight gain in older dogs.
Can You Train an Old Dog?
Yes! While a senior dog might not be the same wide-eyed, clean slate student you knew in puppyhood, you absolutely can teach your old dog new tricks.
Our four-legged besties enjoy dog-friendly, science-backed positive reinforcement training from puppyhood until old dog status, so grab those treats and get to work.
Tips for Training an Older Dog
Even though dogs of all ages enjoy learning new tricks, there are a few special considerations when it comes to working with seniors. The following tips will help you make the most of your training time.
1. Comfort Comes First
Young, active pups can train nearly anywhere, but older dogs might need some environmental accommodations to make sure they’re putting their best paw forward.
A senior dog might be dealing with reduced hearing or vision, so select a space that’s brightly lit and distraction-free.
And keep in mind that those old bones might need some extra traction, especially if you’re working on cues that require fancy footwork or getting up and down from the ground. When I train with my senior dog Millie (who still loves training time at 15 and a half years old!) I put down rubber padding that gives her plenty of grip-strength.
2. Consider What’s Possible
Their spirit might be willing, but a senior dog might not have the same pep in her step due to aches and pains.
When planning what to teach, remember that your senior might not be comfortable dancing on their hind legs or doing other energetic tricks. Try to focus on low-impact behaviors that aren’t physically demanding, like a slow spin, shake, or wave.
That said, Millie learned how to jump through a hoop as a pup, and while she used to be able to clear it when it was a couple of feet off the ground, I now only ask her to do it with the hoop just a few inches from the floor. She gets the joy of performing an old staple, and I know she’s not being forced to attempt something that’s physically uncomfortable for her.
3. Watch the Time
While puppies need short training sessions due to their attention spans, senior dogs might also appreciate quick lessons. Working on new skills takes brainpower, so even if you’re training something simple, it’ll still tax your dog’s brain in the best possible way.
After training time, give your dog a chance to rest and reset, then have another session later in the day.
4. Choose Treats Wisely
Puppies burn through calories in an instant, but older, more sedentary dogs are more likely to pack on the pounds if they get too many treats.
When selecting goodies for senior dog training, opt for treats that are tempting but not too calorie-dense.
A great way to split the difference is making a trail mix of goodies that includes some of your dog’s daily meal ration combined with a variety of higher-value treats.
A mix of kibble and small pieces of cheese or chicken will definitely keep your senior student interested and won’t contribute to unwanted weight gain.
5. Keep It Fun
At this life stage, training is less about teaching basic manners and more about keeping the canine brain active, so that means the pressure is off!
My dog Millie can’t get out and hike the way she used to, and she’s not keen to play with her toys, but she’s always game to train. It doesn’t matter if her spins are less than speedy, or if she’s slower to pick up on my direction—it’s more important for her to tap into that brainpower and keep trying.
Training a senior dog is a completely different experience than working with a puppy, but the joy of proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks makes it all worthwhile.
